GoPro has held its position as the go-to name in action cameras for quite some time. However, my last experience was with the GoPro Hero 7, a model from five generations ago. Given the advancements since then, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try out their latest offering – the GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition. Is it still the best action camera on the market? Let’s dive into my experience on this GoPro Hero 12 Black review.

Double the Runtime But…

One notable improvement highlighted during GoPro’s presentations was the doubling of the battery life in this action camera. Thanks to significant tweaks in power management, the GoPro Hero 12 Black promises extended runtimes. To put that claim to the test, we ran the GoPro on 4K30 (No HDR) until the battery depleted. Surprisingly, we achieved a commendable runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes, despite receiving an overheating warning that eventually shut the camera off.

Impressively, this happened in the morning when temperatures were already at 32°C. While I consider this performance impressive, it’s worth noting that some users reported experiencing overheating issues much sooner, even indoors.

When Did It Become a Good Vlogging Camera?

What surprised me while using the GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition was its transformation from a niche action camera to a favored tool among vloggers. Having been away from GoPro for some time, it was awesome to numerous channels use it, especially in travel vlogs. The camera’s versatility and performance definitely makes it a compelling choice for content creation.

The image quality stands out, thanks to the 8:7 sensor enabling shooting at 5.3K. Additionally, HDR and the LOG profile provide options for vibrant shots and customizable color grading. While low-light performance may not match up to mirrorless cameras, the portability and versatility of the GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition make it a powerful option for on-the-go shooting.

For a visual demonstration, check out our video on the Hatasu Hero, where the majority of shots were captured using the GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition.

You Want Wide Angles? It’s Got Wide Angles!

In terms of viewing angles, the GoPro Hero 12 offers several choices, ranging from extremely wide to the linear option – ideal for vlogging. The ability to shoot vertical videos without adjusting the camera’s orientation is a thoughtful feature, streamlining content creation.

The inclusion of Horizon Lock ensures that shots remain level, regardless of how you move the camera. This feature minimizes the need for constant adjustments, allowing you to focus on capturing the moment.

Want to go even wider to make the ultimate POV camera? You can attach the Max Lens Mod 2.0. I’m a little sad that we didn’t get to try this out but the footage using it looks insane so if you’re an action sports junkie or a moto vlogger, I think you’ll want to pick it up. I thin it’s also genius how GoPro lets you change the lenses just in case you go a little too extreme and somehow wind up scuffing up your lenses.

A Godsend of a Mounting Option

Addressing a common concern with previous GoPro models, the Hero 12 Black Edition features a quarter thread mount on its bottom – a game-changer for mounting solutions. For users with existing accessories, they remain compatible, but even for someone reviewing a loaner unit like myself, using clamps to mount the camera on various surfaces was hassle-free.

Is the GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition the Best Option Out There?

Determining if the GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition is the best option involves considering the evolving market. While GoPro once dominated as the sole option, increasing competition demands a closer look at individual preferences, feature sets, and even color science.

At the end of the day, the GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition should be on your radar if you seek a versatile camera that easily fits in your pocket, ready to capture moments anywhere you go. It’s user-friendly, enjoyable to use, and gets the job done.

GoPro Hero 12 Price Philippines

The GoPro Hero 12 Black is priced at Php 24,990. If you’re looking for an enhanced package, the Creator Pack, including the Media Mod, Light Mod, and a grip, is available for Php 36,990. Explore our GoPro Hero 12 Black review to make an informed decision about this action camera.